The Rematch: Alouettes vs. B.C. Lions CFL blog: love ‘em & hate ‘em…

Home Field Advantage

The BC Lions appeared to be firing on all cylinders as they absolutely took it to the visiting Montreal Alouettes. It might have sleeping in their own beds and away from the distractions of downtown Montreal, or just the comforts of playing at BC Place, BC made Montreal look like a CIS team.

Even when Montreal scored early and took a first quarter lead, it was all orange, all the time after that.

Time pick to pick over the carcass in this week’s Love ‘Em and Hate ‘Em

Love ‘Em

Young Guns

With SB Geroy Simon sidelined with a hamstring injury, QB Travis Lulay’s production was focused primarily on his youngest weapons. Shawn Gore, Nick Moore, Earnest Jackson and Marco Iannuzzi combined for 17 catches and 4 touchdowns. Both Moore and Jackson recorded their first professional scores.

It definitely looks like GM Wally Buono has the cupboard fully stocked with fresh receivers.

Head of the Class

With eight days between the games in this this series, there was more than enough time for Alouette’s Head Coach Marc Trestman to fully exploit Lions Rookie Coach Mike Benevides.

As the result would show, Coach Bene turned the tables and had an answer for every situation.

Not only was the game plan sound but the players were motivated and spirited. Just look at the highlights of HB Anthony Reddick, who was laying the wood at every opportunity. A solid scheme and determined players often leads to victory and in this case Coach Bene’s victory returns BC back to the top of the CFL standings.

Lions pride was alive and well vs. Montreal on the weekend.

Back to Basics

Three down football is supposed to mean gaudy passing yards and offensive schemes with aerial formations that rival the Snow Birds flight team.

But sometimes you just need to hand the ball off and let the big rig do his thing. Andrew Harris was the battering ram on 14 carries for 67 yards and one score. In addition, he was Mr. Reliable, pounding the Al’s D that set up the 4 Lulay scores.

This was the aspect of the Offense that was missing last week.

Heavy Hittas

The hard hitting Lion’s Defence was back on track after their one game mis-step. One week after being bested by Montreal, Lions pride was alive and well. The biggest change was the dominant force of the D-Line.

Keron Williams and his nasty crew combined for 8 tackles and 2 sacks and kept the Al’s rushing attack in check while harassing both of Montreal’s QBs.

Hate ‘Em

Game of Shadows

Yep, it’s tough to find much hate in one sided game where your team looked a step ahead at every position but the one person I need to single out here is Adam Bighill.

The two-time CFL Defensive Player of the Week linebacker was almost a hologram.

Maybe Montreal’s game plan directed action away from him, but with swirling rumours around the potential return of former Lion, Solomon Elimimian, I expected Bighill to stake claim on his starting position as the man in the middle.

So with the two game clash of the Titans now recent history, the Lions set their attention to another re-match, this time against the Toronto Argonauts.

Hopefully the comforts of the Lion’s Den will provide the necessary spark needed to pad their lead in the CFL West Division standings.